Jorge Soler was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Los Angeles Angels with a left oblique strain, retroactive to June 4, ahead of their 9-2 loss to the Dodgers. The move came after two weeks of discomfort that had been described as left groin issues, hip
The Angels went into Saturday’s game against the Dodgers with a lineup that looked ready to roll. By the time the action started, it had already changed.
Los Angeles placed veteran outfielder and designated hitter Jorge Soler on the 10-day injured list because of a left oblique strain, retroactive to June 4. The roster move landed just before the Angels suffered a 9-2 loss to their Los Angeles rivals.
Soler’s issue had been hanging over the team for roughly two weeks. What first showed up as a left groin problem later became left hip irritation and left-side tightness. He exited Wednesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning. and after trying to manage it he was scratched shortly before Friday’s contest against the Dodgers.
Now, the designated hitter spot is open. In the absence of Soler, Nick Madrigal received the start at DH on Saturday. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said multiple players could rotate through the role during Soler’s absence.
Soler, 34, has still been producing this season. In 58 games he has posted a .220 batting average with nine home runs, 10 doubles and 33 RBIs, along with a .702 OPS. His on-base percentage sits at .300 with a .402 slugging percentage. figures that make the timing of his IL stint feel sharper for a club trying to keep its lineup steady.
The injury news arrived the same day the Angels welcomed back first baseman Nolan Schanuel from the injured list. Schanuel had missed 11 games because of left ankle tendinitis that began while running the bases on April 4 and worsened during a road trip to Detroit. The 24-year-old returned to the starting lineup after a rehab appearance with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. where he went 1-for-4 with a double.
Before Saturday, Schanuel owned a .262/.313/.387 slash line with four home runs, 12 doubles and 24 RBIs across 49 games. He started at first base against the Dodgers but went 0-for-3 as the Angels managed only three hits in the 9-2 defeat.
Roster movement didn’t stop there. The Angels also placed outfielder Gustavo Campero on the injured list with a right-hand fracture. On top of that, Los Angeles designated catcher Omar Martinez for assignment after he went 1-for-3 during his cup of coffee in the majors.
In the space of one game day, the Angels adjusted around multiple injuries and personnel changes, with Soler’s left oblique strain serving as the clearest blow to their plans at designated hitter.
Angels Los Angeles Angels Jorge Soler injured list left oblique strain Nick Madrigal Kurt Suzuki Nolan Schanuel Gustavo Campero Omar Martinez Dodgers